Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) Unveils Rural Revitalization Agenda to Grow Rural Economies, Lower Costs, and Improve Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the New Democrat Coalition Rural Revitalization Working Group, led by Working Group Chair Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), Farm Bill Task Force Chair Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Rural Broadband Task Force Chair Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Rural Economy Task Force Chair Josh Riley (NY-19), released its Rural Revitalization Agenda, which offers a path forward for Congress to support the long-term growth and prosperity of communities that are often overlooked and underappreciated.

Through the Rural Revitalization Agenda, New Dems will work to rebuild and reinvest in rural areas by growing local and farm economies, expanding access to affordable housing and high-quality healthcare, and breaking down barriers to success, like lack of high-speed internet, job training, and harmful trade policies.

“When our rural communities thrive, our nation thrives," said Congresswoman Schrier. "The agenda that we are releasing today will support rural Americans in Washington state and across the country by fueling economic prosperity and addressing the long-standing disparities that are holding these communities back from their full potential. In Congress, I will keep fighting alongside my New Democrat Coalition colleagues to uplift and strengthen rural communities throughout the country."

“Rural communities, like those I represent in the San Joaquin Valley, are important parts of our nation’s economy,” said Congressman Costa. “Yet too often, these communities are overlooked. It’s time we invest in rural America. Which is why I’m proud to be a part of this agenda that advances two of my bills, the MORE Nurses Act and the Rural Homeownership Continuity Act. This agenda will help expand affordable housing, strengthen our rural health care workforce, and build lasting economic growth.”

"I'm so proud to support the New Democrats Coalition's Rural Revitalization Agenda. Our rural communities are big cornerstones of our local and national economies through energy, tourism, farming, and tech innovation. Sadly, due to this Administration's reckless cuts to our food security, cuts to federal agencies, and an assault on health care and rural hospitals, Rural America is in need of help. These hard-working families do not need life to be harder or less affordable," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. "This agenda works to strengthen our farm economies, expand access to quality health care, and make key investments in workforce training and economic development. I am ready to get to work on this Agenda and help our rural communities thrive."

The Agenda is centered around four fundamental goals: empowering communities to achieve long-term economic prosperity; supporting the care economy and improving rural healthcare; investing in the farm economy; and closing the digital gap by expanding access to broadband.

The document also lays out the next steps for New Dems to implement this agenda, including working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill, bolstering programs targeting rural areas, and addressing disparities to help unlock the full potential of rural regions.

 You can read the full New Dem Rural Revitalization Agenda here.

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